Volatile organic compound formulations having antimicrobial activity

Abstract

The present subject matter includes novel chemical formulations having antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and related effect in a wide range of applications for treating or preventing infections as well as treating various surfaces that may become tainted with infectants. In some embodiments, the formulation includes isoamyl hexanoates and at least one of propanoic and/or isobutyric acid.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating or preventing a pathogenic or wound infection, the method comprising administration of an antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, or antiparasitic formulation to a subject or surface in need thereof, wherein the formulation comprises an effective antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, or antiparasitic combination of isoamyl hexanoates and at least one acid selected from the group consisting of propanoic acid and isobutyric acid. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is in a form of a cream, an ointment, a rinse, an oil, a scrub, a spray, a shampoo, a gel, a plaster, a solution, a suspension, a dip, a salve, an ear rinse, a powder, an eyewash, a mouthwash, a nail lacquer, or a gas. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the infection is an oral infection. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is administered to the subject at a suitable time before, during and/or after a medical procedure. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the infection is a fungal infection. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the formulation is administered to a nail or a skin of the subject. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the formulation is administered to the uterus of the subject. 
     
     
       8. A method of disinfecting a surface comprising administration of an antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, or antiparasitic formulation to the surface, wherein the formulation comprises an effective antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, or antiparasitic combination of isoamyl hexanoates and at least one acid selected from the group consisting of propanoic acid and isobutyric acid. 
     
     
       9. A method of maintaining or improving the health of an animal, comprising administration of an antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, or antiparasitic formulation to the animal or to a surface near the animal, wherein the formulation comprises an effective antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, or antiparasitic combination of isoamyl hexanoates and at least one acid selected from the group consisting of propanoic acid and isobutyric acid. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the administration includes regular or periodic doses. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the method further comprises administering the formulation to a bedding or waste area in a hospital or housing facility. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8  wherein the surface is located in a housing facility, or in a hospital, or in a food processing facility.